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Privacy and security are on everybody's minds these days, given the NSA spying scandal. Many people are looking for quick and easy ways to secure their online activities. Enter the oRouter, a tiny computer powered by Linux that protects your privacy and secures your Internet connection by connecting via the Tor network.

As an end user, the process of using the oRouter is designed to be exceedingly simple. It’s zero configuration, meaning that you plug it in and then connect to the Wi-Fi network it provides. Unlike the Tor download, it requires no additional software in order to work. Once connected, as you browse the web and use online services, you’re actually using Tor (via Wi-Fi), thereby securing your communications from eavesdropping. In addition, for an extra layer of security, the oRouter’s MAC address (hardware address) changes every 10 minutes.

The oRouter uses off-the-shelf components purchased at Radio Shack, including a low-power single board computer from Texas Instruments, and low-power USB Wi-Fi dongles. The device only requires 5 volts of power to run, which allows it to pull juice from something as simple as a portable charger, for example. The version of the oRouter demoed at the Hackathon today supports up to 32 simultaneous connections.

I really like the idea of the oRouter, it could be quite popular for folks that want a fast and easy way to protect their online privacy. Right now there's a countdown running on the oRouter site and you can sign up for an email notification when the site is ready.

Does Android stink?

Eye On Linux rebuts a column on TheStreet.com that said Android stinks.

I have no doubt that there are plenty of Android users that love their phones as well. But you’ll never hear about that because they don’t necessarily throng together when a new Android phone launches. And it’s important to note that new Android phones come to market more often than iPhones. So it’s not like there’s one big launch the way that there is with an iPhone, there are many different Android manufacturers.

As I noted in an earlier article, I have no doubt the iPhone 6 will be a very popular phone. But it’s not going to destroy Android and Android doesn’t stink. Android and iOS devices will both remain viable choices for anyone who wants to use them.

It always puzzles me why some people need to bash one platform or another. I'm a big believer in choices for consumers, and Android is certainly a valid and popular choice for many people. That's the way it should be since Android offers greater freedom in some ways than iOS and other competing mobile platforms.